The trade buzzards are circling the Cincinnati Reds, folks, and with less than two weeks before the August 3rd deadline, their front office has officially slapped price tags on a half-dozen pending free agents. Their expiring season means that some Reds players, who were supposed to be headed to October, are now on the market for contenders. It’s a wild time of year, and you know our M’s are always looking for a smart move.
Hunter Greene’s Untouchable Fastball and Singer’s AL Central Return
So, who’s out there? Let’s start with the big one, the guy everyone wants a piece of, RHP Hunter Greene. This dude was a 2024 All-Star with a 100-mph fastball and two-plus years of cost-certain club control still left. The Reds consider him their “one-off,” meaning he’d only move if the timing, offers, and front office fortitude all lined up perfectly. He’s a frontline starter who would fit almost any contender, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that heat?
Then there’s RHP Brady Singer, a pending free agent who just started against the Rockies on July 17. He’s an innings eater, makes all his starts, and spent his career with Kansas City until last season’s trade to Cincinnati. He knows the AL Central, making him a good fit for the Chicago White Sox, who are ahead of schedule with their young core. They’re looking for pitching help without gutting their strong farm system. Singer’s pro-rated salary is around $3.76 million, and he’d deepen their rotation. Atlanta Braves fans should keep an eye on him too.
Yankees Hunting Catchers? Tyler Stephenson Might Be Their Guy
Over on the offensive side, catcher Tyler Stephenson, another pending free agent, is drawing some serious looks. He’s a right-handed hitting catcher who smashed two home runs and an opposite-field double to the wall in a recent game against the Rockies. His career production is similar to the Twins’ Ryan Jeffers, who the Yankees are also targeting. New York was even in Colorado to scout the Rockies’ Hunter Goodman, but he’s got three years of club control left, meaning a much higher price tag. Stephenson, with approximately $2 million left on his pro-rated salary, might be a more realistic option for the Yankees. Red Sox fans should watch this one, and even the Dodgers could be in play, especially with All-Star Will Smith facing an extended stay on the IL.
Emerald City Calling? Spencer Steer and Our Mariners’ Farm System
Now, for the big one that makes us, the Emerald City faithful, sit up and pay attention: IF/OF Spencer Steer. The Reds aren’t exactly “shopping” Steer, who they see as valuable for whatever their next steps are, but they *have* told teams they’ll listen to offers. And guess who’s been mentioned as a potential destination? Our very own Seattle Mariners! We’ve got a top-3 farm system in MLB, and that kind of prospect capital makes us a serious player for guys the Reds might reluctantly move. Imagine a versatile bat like Steer joining the lineup. That’s something to get hyped about!
The August 3rd deadline is looming. Keep those eyes peeled on what Nick Krall’s front office in Cincinnati does, especially with players like Spencer Steer. Our M’s are always ready to make a smart move, and our top-tier farm system is clearly a huge part of that. Let’s see what happens!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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